Jewels From The Archive - 57 Years Ago

Hershel "Junior" Conway's second version of his famed '50 Ford business coupe appeared in our Sept. '60 issue. It was a standout in an 18-page story titled “Shoebox Showcase”. While in high school Junior took over a project that he had started with his brother. His first time working at Barris' shop was basically sweeping floors after school. He left for a short time, but eventually Barris asked him to come back with an offer of a larger salary. It wasn't long before he proved himself as a competent painter and soon was spraying high-profile cars like the “Hirohata Merc”.

His mild custom was masterfully crafted, simple, and elegant, but a with a more thorough inspection tons of modifications are evident. This “calling card” was the foundation for him to open Junior's House of Color, which is still known today for its exquisite concours auto restorations.

The killer full show interior is topped off with a '55 Mercury accessory steering wheel. For better vision and a more modern look the windshield has been V-butted. Basic customizing, like door handle removal, nosing, and decking were mandatory. Custom headlight brows were made from off-the-shelf California Custom Accessories pieces with '55 Chevrolet headlight rims added. A '49 Merc grille shell was installed and the hood corners rounded. A floating grille was created out of chromed, round, steel bars. Note the dual hood scoops and Barris crests mounted in between the front trim pieces. Photo by Eric Rickman/Petersen Archive.

2/6These photos were shot 57 years ago in May of 1957. Shown here is version number two, which was a result of the first version being in a car wreck. This more-involved and thought out mild custom features rear fender fins with ’55 Buick taillights. Side-trim was a combination of ’54 Dodge, ’55 Ford Fairlane, and gold-perforated mesh. The ’50 Mercury fender skirts had a scoop in the leading edge fitted with three 24-karat gold plated teeth. Dean Jeffries applied the scallops and two-tone Rustic metallic lacquer.

6/6Jack’s Top Shop handled the interior, which featured a state-of-the-art radio-telephone. All photos by Eric Rickman/Petersen Archive.